2018 Chevy Spark Review

Name: 2018 Chevrolet Spark Review
Brand: Chevrolet
Rating: 4.0 (43 reviews)

Price Range: $9,992 - $14,998

Chevrolet Spark ACTIV 4dr Hatchback Exterior Shown

2018 Chevrolet Spark LS 4dr Hatchback Exterior

+212

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byCalvin Kim^{Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.}

Pros

Impressive number of features at an affordable price
Offers many optional high-tech features
High fuel economy
Easy to park in tight spaces

Cons

Acceleration is slow, both for the class and in general
Not much rear legroom and cargo capacity

What’s new

The 2018 Chevrolet Spark is unchanged.

Vehicle overview

Subcompacts appeal to the practical and budget-conscience. They're inexpensive, frugal and, most important for city dwellers, easy to park. The 2018 Chevrolet Spark has all those traits but also adds a healthy list of standard and optional features to the mix.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Chevrolet Spark LS 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.93 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$109/mo

$153/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Even in its most basic LS trim, the Spark comes with modern conveniences that rival those on bigger and more expensive cars. A fold-down rear bench seat increases functionality, as does its standard smartphone integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It's also nimble around turns yet comfortable enough for longer trips.

But to be frugal, efficient and small means some aspects must be compromised. For the Spark, that's in its acceleration — which is slow even for this class of car — and total usable cargo space. There's very little room behind the rear seats. And while the rear seats are comfortable, taller adults may brush their heads up against the roof.

Generally, though, you should be pleased with Chevy's Spark if you're looking for affordable urban-oriented transportation.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

With its composed ride, affordable price, and lengthy list of standard equipment, the 2018 Chevrolet Spark punches above its weight. While it's not the quickest-accelerating subcompact, this hatchback is easy to drive in cities and even easier to park.

Trim tested

Edmunds has not driven any current version of the 2018 Chevrolet Spark, but we have limited experience with similar previous versions. The following is our first take on what's significant about it and what you can expect.

Driving

The Spark's small four-cylinder engine is best suited for around-town use. A CVT automatic-equipped Spark takes over 11 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph from a stop, so highway on-ramps require some planning. Surprisingly, the Spark is agile around town and delivers a well-mannered ride overall.

Comfort

While it's noisy, it compares favorably with other cars in the class. Seating position is upright, with minimal lateral support. The rear seats are best suited to smaller passengers.

Interior

Yes, it's small, but the layout is functional. The high roofline gives it decent room, access and visibility, too. Cargo space is tight with four aboard, but it's plentiful with the rear seat folded.

Utility

There's minimal cargo room with the rear seat in use, but fold it down and there's more than enough storage for the sorts of local errands that suit this subcompact hatchback.

Technology

The MyLink infotainment system adds to the Spark's modern vibe. The menus are intuitive, and the graphics are sharp. The touchscreen supports multi-gesture control and provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interface. The standard OnStar 4G LTE service provides advanced connectivity options.

2018 Chevrolet Spark models

The 2018 Chevrolet Spark is available in four trim levels that differ primarily in standard feature content. The Spark LS is a well-equipped base model, and the 1LT adds more features. The 2LT has more convenience and driver assist features, while the Activ model increases ground clearance and tacks on roof rails for a more active lifestyle. All trims come with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 98 horsepower and 94 pound-feet of torque. The engine drives the front wheels through either a five-speed manual transmission or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

The Spark LS comes with a rearview camera, a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a four-speaker audio system, air conditioning, and Chevrolet's OnStar communications system that includes a 4G LTE in-car Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 1LT adds 15-inch alloy wheels, power accessories (windows, mirrors and door locks), cruise control, remote keyless entry, foglights, and a six-speaker audio system.

From here, the Activ adds simulated leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, roof rails, special 15-inch wheels and bodywork, and a raised suspension that provides 0.4 inch of additional ground clearance.

Alternately, go for the 2LT. Compared to the 1LT, it adds rear parking sensors, simulated seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, push-button start, an upgraded driver information display, heated front seats, and chrome door handles and trim.

A sunroof is optional for the 1LT and 2LT trims. For the 2LT only, you can get a Driver Confidence package that adds forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems.

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#8 out of 27 among Subcompact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Chevrolet Spark from 2008-2022.}

$430/yr

vs. $416/yr
for Average Subcompact Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.68x/yr

vs. 1.22x/yr
for Average Subcompact Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

10.9%

vs. 10.1%
for Average Subcompact Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Chevrolet Spark.

5 (49%)

4 (33%)

3 (2%)

2 (2%)

1 (14%)

4.0

43 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Two Sparks in Two Months

Dev, 02/06/2018

2018 Chevrolet Spark 1LT 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl CVT)

Previously bought a marshmallow white Spark LS back around the end of November, but got t-boned and totaled around December. It's amazing how well that car held up. Our vehicle went airborne, rolled 5 times, and landed in a ditch and I walked away with little injuries. The side curtain airbags and OnStar kicked on immediately. This vehicle is extremely safe in an accident, so much so I …

It does what it does VERY well

BobEmb, 06/29/2017

2017 Chevrolet Spark LS 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M)

I've owned the car over 7 months and love it. I was looking for a good mid-sized used car but kept checking on the new little cars. I found the deal on this for under $9000 and had to go for it. I especially liked the technology package, that will connect to my smart phone using all its functionality over the display. My only concern, after doing my research, was whether I would fit … into it as I am 6'3 and over 300 lbs. With the seat all the way back, I was good. In particular, I found I had all the knee room I would need. I could take this on a long trip with no real trouble. The back seat is absolutely useless to me because I do not transport children and an adult would NEVER fit in. I removed the back seat cushions, folded the seat back down and have what I call a 'two seater wagon'. I've done a lot of transporting cargo and been surprised what it will carry. Performance is not sporty by any means, but it is always competent. Acceleration is adequate and never lacking, steering is what you would expect from a small car, transmission and clutch are fine, and the suspension handles what the road throws at it. I drive 4 miles to work and every couple of weeks go on weekend excursions, and have gotten 36.7 MPG over the past 5 months. The paint, fit, and finish is wonderful, and the styling is very nice. All these things I love about the car, but be aware of what it does NOT do. It does NOT have power seats, windows or mirrors, so get into the habit of cranking windows again. It does NOT have cruise control. It does not have remote control for the door locks but it does lock the doors automatically when driving and it will not allow you to unlock the car while the car is running - kind of odd. The hatch only opens with the key, no remote switch. With the back seat down, the floor is not flat but is low in the middle. These negatives are insignificant considering all the positives of the car. A note on the geopolitics of the car -- it is made in South Korea by what used to be Daewoo. I never expected to by a GM car after the bailout by taxpayers and I'm still not happy about supporting GM, but this car REALLY gets it done for me so I put politics behind me. I've owned this car for a year and everything I've said about the car is still true. Gas mileage is still outstanding and there have been zero problems. I really like it. Two years and 35k and the car still hums. No repairs, just standard maintenance. OK! its been what four years now? I still love the car and put about 75k with no break downs. I hit a fox on the interstate and it took out the front bumper, grill, radiator, and AC pump (Yes, a fox did all that). My commute is now 61 highway miles and I regularly get over 40 MPG over hilly terrain although I noticed that in cold weather I get 10% lower mileage. The car has performed outstandingly. No constant annoying rattles like cars this age develop, and everything still works fine. The AC is still very cold. I haven't been annoyed by the lack of power anything, and the Android Auto has been super. As far as a used car goes, it is worth far more to me than the price I could get for it 7/4/2021 So I'm still loving my car, the pandemic kept the miles down, I've only changed the oil and done regular upkeep. The engine is sounding a little throaty, and seems to have lost half a step of peppiness, which is not surprising at 89k miles. The paint still looks outstanding, the interior has held up well, I think that GM did a good thing, even as they were doing so many crazy things during their 2008 crash 5 year anniversary. Just turned 97k miles and it is still rock solid in every way. Driving on open highways 60 miles to and from work, I'm still getting 39.2 MPG. No mechanical issues, I got my share of dings and wear, but when I shine it up is looks new. I still wish I had Cruise Control and remote control door locks, but considering how perfectly it has been working. I'm pleased to take it everywhere I go! 7/6/22 Still loving my car, it is beginning to show signs of wear, which is to be expected for 111k miles. Finish is still fine except where my son backed into it. Mileage is 40.1 MPG on all highway, I'm starting to hear some squeaks coming from the engine, and the AC need service. Interior and gauges are fine, and Android Auto is doing what it does. Still believe that this has been a fine commuter vehicle with added value as a 'wagon'.

Redneck buys Spark to drive 'til daughter turns 16

J Scott Flowers, 01/14/2017

2017 Chevrolet Spark 1LT 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl CVT)

Truly impressed so far. Have only put 2500 miles on it. It's by far the neatest car I've ever owned. Not saying a whole lot there. The last new car I bought was a 94 Olds Achieva. That was sporty back in those days. I'd say the Spark is funner to drive. Since then I've owned old pickup trucks and used cars, so the Spark is high tech to me. I drive once a month a 500 mile round trip and …

Good Little Car - Real Cheap

Johnny, 09/06/2017

2017 Chevrolet Spark 1LT 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl CVT)

Given the immense supply in North American dealerships these cars should be a steal. After one year of ownership I've had zero problems reliability-wise. The front seats are good and can fit two big dudes no problem provided you stagger the seatbacks a little. Android Auto is fantastic. The CVT isn't. If you can drive manual or want to learn this would be a great car to do so, especially …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Chevrolet Spark, so we've included reviews for other years of the Spark since its last redesign.

See all 43 reviews of the Chevrolet Spark

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2018 Spark Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$13,050
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	33 MPG
Cost to Drive	$109/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	11.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Spark models:

Forward Collision Alert: Warns the driver of an imminent front-end collision.
Lane Departure Warning: Lets you know when you're drifting away from the center of the lane.
Rear Park Assist: Alerts you of nearby objects when backing up.

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested

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2018 Chevy Spark Review

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Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Chevrolet Spark LS 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.93 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Driving

Comfort

Interior

Utility

Technology

Which Spark does Edmunds recommend?

2018 Chevrolet Spark models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Two Sparks in Two Months

It does what it does VERY well

Redneck buys Spark to drive 'til daughter turns 16

Good Little Car - Real Cheap

2018 Spark Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Chevrolet Spark LS 4dr Hatchback (1.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.93 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}